Several Arkansas River Valley school boards approved budgets and personnel changes and the Dover School District (DSD) considered public input at recent meetings.

Following the rejection of a proposed millage increase to fund school renovations in the annual school election, DSD invited opponents of the measure to participate in a focus group meeting in an effort to find a compromise.

“The meeting was very positive,” Superintendent Jerry Owens said.

Owens said as the district moves forward, it will be taking into consideration the concerns voiced by the 15 community members who participated in the focus group.

• Hector School Board adopted the 2013-14 certified salary schedule with an addition of a $6,000 stipend for the Federal Programs Coordinator and approved appointing Jordan Price as the coordinator at its Sept. 24 meeting.

The board also approved the 2013-14 budget and Arkansas Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (ACSIP). It approved an Apple Lease Agreement, which allows the district to lease rather than buy the iPads and similar devices used in the classrooms.

Superintendent Walt Davis told the board the payments would be spread over three years and would save the district a “significant” amount of money.

• Clarksville School District passed its 2014 budget at a special meeting Sept. 25.

• The Atkins School Board approved its 2012-13 financial report, 2013-14 budget, 2013-14 special education budget and ACSIP plan at a called meeting Sept. 27.

The Atkins School Board will be presenting its Annual Report to the public at 6 p.m. tonight and its regular monthly meeting will follow.

• The Russellville School Board held a called meeting Oct. 2 for personnel matters.